Deadspin | Kris Bubic tosses gem as Royals blank White Sox
Apr 10, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) pitches during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Kris Bubic allowed two hits and struck out a career-high 11 over seven stellar shutout innings, and Carter Jensen clubbed a solo home run, as the Kansas City Royals snapped a three-game skid with Friday night’s 2-0 victory over the visiting Chicago White Sox.
An All-Star last season before his season ended due to a July rotator cuff injury, Bubic (2-1) didn’t yield a hit Friday until Lenyn Sosa led off the fifth inning with a double. The other hit Bubic surrendered came via Derek Hill’s single to open the sixth, as he went on to match a career best with seven complete innings and help the Royals even this four-game set.
The left-hander, whose previous high for strikeouts was nine, also walked just one while dropping his ERA to 2.50 over three 2026 starts. Kansas City relievers Matt Strahm and Lucas Erceg (four saves) retired the side in the eighth and ninth inning, respectively.
Bubic outdueled Davis Martin (2-1), who has recorded both of Chicago’s quality starts on the young season after giving up both runs and seven hits without a walk over seven innings. However, his White Sox teammates couldn’t generate any offense one night after posting their own 2-0 victory to snap a 14-game losing streak at Kansas City.
Chicago has lost 23 of their last 26 games at Kauffman Stadium.
The Royals opened the scoring in the fourth by ending their 15-inning scoreless rut. Maikel Garcia opened the frame with single to right field off Martin, then scored from first base on Bobby Witt Jr.’s double that lined off the top of left-field corner wall.
Witt has hit safely in 23 consecutive games against the White Sox.
Jensen, whose previous three 2026 homers came on the road, doubled the Royals’ lead in the seventh when he sent a one-out drive well over the right-field wall off Martin.
Though Kansas City managed to get back on track, they went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring. The Royals are 0-for-28 in that department over the last four contests.
Apr 10, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) pitches during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Kris Bubic allowed two hits and struck out a career-high 11 over seven stellar shutout innings, and Carter Jensen clubbed a solo home run, as the Kansas City Royals snapped a three-game skid with Friday night’s 2-0 victory over the visiting Chicago White Sox.
An All-Star last season before his season ended due to a July rotator cuff injury, Bubic (2-1) didn’t yield a hit Friday until Lenyn Sosa led off the fifth inning with a double. The other hit Bubic surrendered came via Derek Hill’s single to open the sixth, as he went on to match a career best with seven complete innings and help the Royals even this four-game set.
The left-hander, whose previous high for strikeouts was nine, also walked just one while dropping his ERA to 2.50 over three 2026 starts. Kansas City relievers Matt Strahm and Lucas Erceg (four saves) retired the side in the eighth and ninth inning, respectively.
Bubic outdueled Davis Martin (2-1), who has recorded both of Chicago’s quality starts on the young season after giving up both runs and seven hits without a walk over seven innings. However, his White Sox teammates couldn’t generate any offense one night after posting their own 2-0 victory to snap a 14-game losing streak at Kansas City.
Chicago has lost 23 of their last 26 games at Kauffman Stadium.
The Royals opened the scoring in the fourth by ending their 15-inning scoreless rut. Maikel Garcia opened the frame with single to right field off Martin, then scored from first base on Bobby Witt Jr.’s double that lined off the top of left-field corner wall.
Witt has hit safely in 23 consecutive games against the White Sox.
Jensen, whose previous three 2026 homers came on the road, doubled the Royals’ lead in the seventh when he sent a one-out drive well over the right-field wall off Martin.
Though Kansas City managed to get back on track, they went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring. The Royals are 0-for-28 in that department over the last four contests.
#Deadspin #Reports #Lions #Terrion #Arnold #clears #waivers">Deadspin | Reports: Former Lions CB Terrion Arnold clears waivers
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Released last week by the Detroit Lions after he was arrested on eight felony charges last month, cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers, multiple outlets reported on Monday.
Arnold was arrested on June 24 and is facing charges of armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident in February near Tampa, Fla.
Arnold is expected to meet with NFL teams that have expressed interest in signing him.
“Although Mr. Arnold has been released by the Detroit Lions organization, he already has been contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services,” defense attorney Harvey Steinberg wrote last week.
Arnold is accused of being the ringleader of a plot to avenge a theft in February by detaining and pistol-whipping the men he believed were responsible. But authorities said none of the victims Arnold and co-conspirators allegedly kidnapped and attacked were involved with stealing items from Arnold.
The 23-year-old who played at Alabama and was drafted by the Lions was the primary conspirator, according to prosecutors. All three victims are in their teens, according to court documents.
Arnold reported the theft of more than $250,000 in property from an Airbnb in Largo, Fla., near Tampa, three days before the alleged kidnapping and assault occurred.
Which means we can even start thinking about potential matchups in the Semifinals.
Here are the Quarterfinals matchups, which will be updated as matches are set, as well as a look ahead to what we could see in the Semifinals.
Here is the World Cup bracket, courtesy of The Sporting News:
Now let’s work through the bracket, first by looking at the Quarterfinals matchups, and then at the potential Semifinals pairings.
World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals
Here are the matchups for the Quarterfinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both confirmed and potential.
The first quarterfinal match to be set? That came on Saturday, when Morocco knocked off Canada 3-0, and France outlasted Paraguay by a final score of 1-0, thanks to a penalty shot from Kylian Mbappé.
Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.
Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!
Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.
The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.
Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.
Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia
The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.
Potential Semifinals matchups
Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.
Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD
On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.
Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD
Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.
Which means we can even start thinking about potential matchups in the Semifinals.
Here are the Quarterfinals matchups, which will be updated as matches are set, as well as a look ahead to what we could see in the Semifinals.
Here is the World Cup bracket, courtesy of The Sporting News:
Now let’s work through the bracket, first by looking at the Quarterfinals matchups, and then at the potential Semifinals pairings.
World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals
Here are the matchups for the Quarterfinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both confirmed and potential.
The first quarterfinal match to be set? That came on Saturday, when Morocco knocked off Canada 3-0, and France outlasted Paraguay by a final score of 1-0, thanks to a penalty shot from Kylian Mbappé.
Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.
Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!
Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.
The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.
Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.
Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia
The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.
Potential Semifinals matchups
Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.
Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD
On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.
Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD
Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.
Which means we can even start thinking about potential matchups in the Semifinals.
Here are the Quarterfinals matchups, which will be updated as matches are set, as well as a look ahead to what we could see in the Semifinals.
Here is the World Cup bracket, courtesy of The Sporting News:
Now let’s work through the bracket, first by looking at the Quarterfinals matchups, and then at the potential Semifinals pairings.
World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals
Here are the matchups for the Quarterfinals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both confirmed and potential.
The first quarterfinal match to be set? That came on Saturday, when Morocco knocked off Canada 3-0, and France outlasted Paraguay by a final score of 1-0, thanks to a penalty shot from Kylian Mbappé.
Now two teams that met in the Semifinals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup will meet a round earlier, this time with a spot in the Semifinals on the line. In that match back in Qatar, France took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Theo Hernández in the fifth minute, and salted away the match when Randal Kolo Muani slotted home in the 79th minute.
Time to break out all the historical analogies you can muster!
Norway is moving on to the Quarterfinals for the first time in history, following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brazil. Erling Haaland continued his Golden Boot campaign with a brace, bringing his total to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They will take on England, after the Three Lions survived everything that was thrown at them on Sunday night in Mexico City. England’s 3-2 win over Mexico pushed them through to the Quarterfinals.
The third Quarterfinals matchup was determined Monday.
Tournament favorite Spain eliminated Portugal with a late winner from Mikel Merino. The USMNT followed suit with the rest of the host nations going out in the Round of 16 after a 1-4 loss to Belgium.
Argentina/Egypt vs. Switzerland/Colombia
The fourth and final Quarterfinals matchup will be set on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will hope to return to the Semifinals when they take on Mohamed Salah and Egypt at noon Eastern in Atlanta. The winner of that match will meet the winner of Tuesday evening’s tilt between Switzerland and Colombia.
Potential Semifinals matchups
Now let’s take a quick peek ahead at what we could see in the Semifinals.
Match 101: France/Morocco vs. TBD
On the left side of the bracket, the winner of Thursday’s match between France and Morocco in Boston will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-left quadrant. As of publication, Spain and Portugal are the two teams vying for that spot.
Match 102: England/Norway vs. TBD
Then on the right side of the bracket, the winner of Saturday’s tilt between England and Norway will take on the team that emerges from the bottom-right quadrant. As of publication Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, and Switzerland are the four teams fighting for that spot.
Malik Tillman becomes second player to score two freekick goals in same FIFA World Cup since 1966
Malik Tillman joins Bernard Genghini as the second player to score two freekick goals in a single World Cup.
Half time!
Pulisic sends the ball into the box from the right corner, but it is Courtois who meets it in the air. And the referee uses that moment to end the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere’s brace is the point of difference at the moment.
45+4′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman plays a lovely through ball into the box for Balogun, who seemed in pole position to reach it. But, out comes Courtois and bravely clears the ball away from danger.
45+2′ USA 1-2 BEL
Dest gets the ball and tries to go on a run down the right side. But De Cuypers does well to track back and nick the ball away.
45′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman launches the ball in from a throw-in on the right, and Freeman heads it forward for Balogun, whose attempt from close range goes sailing into the stands behind the goal.
Six minutes of added time to play in the first half.
43′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Cuypers stands over the ball and sends a good-looking cross into the box. Lukebakio is completely unmarked and he should have done better with his header which goes well wide of the left post.
42′ USA 1-2 BEL
Belgium gets a free kick in the opposition half after Vanaken is sent to the floor by Richards.
39′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tielemans sends an outswinging corner from the right, which is directed towards the goal by Raksin. But Freese watches the ball closely and makes an easy save.
35′ USA 1-2 BEL
And the first booking of the game goes to Weston McKennie, who is punished for a late sliding challenge.
33′ USA 1-2 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES AGAIN! THE LEAD IS RESTORED IN QUICK TIME!
Brilliant work from Trossard on the left wing as he collects the ball and takes his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle.
De Ketelaere is once again there, and he towers over Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
31′ USA 1-1 BEL | GOAALL!
TILLMAN SCORES!! HE SCORES FROM A FREE KICK IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES!
Courtois had his wall set up but Tillman’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Vanaken, which leaves the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
30′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA gets a free kick in a good shooting position after Balogun is fouled by Mechele.
29′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA finds breaks a long spell of Belgium possession with Weston McKennie drawing a foul from Raskin in USA’s half.
24′ USA 0-1 BEL
Now a chance for both teams to gather their breath as the referee blows his whistle for the Hydration Break.
22′ USA 0-1 BEL
Sloppy from Chris Richards who messes up a clearance by slamming it straight into De Ketelaere.
However, he will be thanking his stars as he gets another opportunity to boot the ball away after the Belgian forward is unable to bring it under control.
20′ USA 0-1 BEL | Substitution
Belgium: Onana is replaced by Vanaken.
19′ USA 0-1 BEL
And this is not good for Belgium, as it looks like Onana will not be able to continue. His teammates are seen consoling him on the bench.
17′ USA 0-1 BEL
Play is paused as Onana is on the floor with some sort of injury. He is receiving treatment on the pitch.
16′ USA 0-1 BEL
Rudi Garcia will be extremely happy with his team’s start and especially with two of his changes combining for the opening goal.
13′ USA 0-1 BEL
Belgium is not backing down as crosses are swung into the box, with Trossard among those who have a go at goal. The American defence is barely holding on at the moment.
11′ USA 0-1 BEL
Mauricio Pochettino is visibly unhappy with his team’s defending there as cameras show the Argentine in the USA dugout with a confused look on his face.
9′ USA 0-1 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES!!
Belgium takes advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Raskin collects the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle.
De Ketelaere is at the right place at the right time and taps the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
8′ USA 0-0 BEL
Lukebakio with a brilliant run past bodies in the opposition half before playing it through for Castagne, who made an overlapping run.
The right-back squares it into the middle, where Tielemans arrives. But, he should have done better as he scuffs his shot.
5′ USA 0-0 BEL
McKennie gets the ball on the right side and tries to curl it into the path of Balogum. But Courtois had anticipated the pass and comes way off his line to collect the ball.
3′ USA 0-0 BEL
Four changes in Belgium’s starting lineup today, with Ngoy, Onana, Raskin and Lukebakio coming in.
1′ USA 0-0 BEL
Belgium is piling on the pressure with De Cuyper’s long throw-in being cleared away and coming to Castagne, who launches the ball from outside the box.
Freese is called into action early, and he produces a good save to keep the scores level.
Lively start from the Europeans!
Kick off!
Belgium kicks off the match, shooting from right to left.
Spain awaits the victor in the quarterfinals.
No De Bruyne in the starting lineup for Belgium!
The last time the Napoli midfielder started on the bench for Belgium was in the 2021 UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing for Belgium vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 RO 16 match?
Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA.
Match starts soon!
The players are making their way into the Seattle Stadium. Ream wears the captain’s armband for USA while Tielemans leads the Red Devils out.
Find out more about the referee for this game!
Who is the referee for USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match?
Find out who the referee is for the USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, along with the full officiating team and VAR officials.
Head-to-head record
Played: 7
Belgium: 6
USA: 1
In World Cups
Played: 2
Belgium: 2
USA: 0
Folarin Balogun starts amidst all the controversy!
Florian Balogun starts for USA against Belgium in FIFA World Cup RO16 clash
Florian Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash.
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
Malik Tillman becomes second player to score two freekick goals in same FIFA World Cup since 1966
Malik Tillman joins Bernard Genghini as the second player to score two freekick goals in a single World Cup.
Half time!
Pulisic sends the ball into the box from the right corner, but it is Courtois who meets it in the air. And the referee uses that moment to end the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere’s brace is the point of difference at the moment.
45+4′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman plays a lovely through ball into the box for Balogun, who seemed in pole position to reach it. But, out comes Courtois and bravely clears the ball away from danger.
45+2′ USA 1-2 BEL
Dest gets the ball and tries to go on a run down the right side. But De Cuypers does well to track back and nick the ball away.
45′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman launches the ball in from a throw-in on the right, and Freeman heads it forward for Balogun, whose attempt from close range goes sailing into the stands behind the goal.
Six minutes of added time to play in the first half.
43′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Cuypers stands over the ball and sends a good-looking cross into the box. Lukebakio is completely unmarked and he should have done better with his header which goes well wide of the left post.
42′ USA 1-2 BEL
Belgium gets a free kick in the opposition half after Vanaken is sent to the floor by Richards.
39′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tielemans sends an outswinging corner from the right, which is directed towards the goal by Raksin. But Freese watches the ball closely and makes an easy save.
35′ USA 1-2 BEL
And the first booking of the game goes to Weston McKennie, who is punished for a late sliding challenge.
33′ USA 1-2 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES AGAIN! THE LEAD IS RESTORED IN QUICK TIME!
Brilliant work from Trossard on the left wing as he collects the ball and takes his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle.
De Ketelaere is once again there, and he towers over Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
31′ USA 1-1 BEL | GOAALL!
TILLMAN SCORES!! HE SCORES FROM A FREE KICK IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES!
Courtois had his wall set up but Tillman’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Vanaken, which leaves the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
30′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA gets a free kick in a good shooting position after Balogun is fouled by Mechele.
29′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA finds breaks a long spell of Belgium possession with Weston McKennie drawing a foul from Raskin in USA’s half.
24′ USA 0-1 BEL
Now a chance for both teams to gather their breath as the referee blows his whistle for the Hydration Break.
22′ USA 0-1 BEL
Sloppy from Chris Richards who messes up a clearance by slamming it straight into De Ketelaere.
However, he will be thanking his stars as he gets another opportunity to boot the ball away after the Belgian forward is unable to bring it under control.
20′ USA 0-1 BEL | Substitution
Belgium: Onana is replaced by Vanaken.
19′ USA 0-1 BEL
And this is not good for Belgium, as it looks like Onana will not be able to continue. His teammates are seen consoling him on the bench.
17′ USA 0-1 BEL
Play is paused as Onana is on the floor with some sort of injury. He is receiving treatment on the pitch.
16′ USA 0-1 BEL
Rudi Garcia will be extremely happy with his team’s start and especially with two of his changes combining for the opening goal.
13′ USA 0-1 BEL
Belgium is not backing down as crosses are swung into the box, with Trossard among those who have a go at goal. The American defence is barely holding on at the moment.
11′ USA 0-1 BEL
Mauricio Pochettino is visibly unhappy with his team’s defending there as cameras show the Argentine in the USA dugout with a confused look on his face.
9′ USA 0-1 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES!!
Belgium takes advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Raskin collects the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle.
De Ketelaere is at the right place at the right time and taps the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
8′ USA 0-0 BEL
Lukebakio with a brilliant run past bodies in the opposition half before playing it through for Castagne, who made an overlapping run.
The right-back squares it into the middle, where Tielemans arrives. But, he should have done better as he scuffs his shot.
5′ USA 0-0 BEL
McKennie gets the ball on the right side and tries to curl it into the path of Balogum. But Courtois had anticipated the pass and comes way off his line to collect the ball.
3′ USA 0-0 BEL
Four changes in Belgium’s starting lineup today, with Ngoy, Onana, Raskin and Lukebakio coming in.
1′ USA 0-0 BEL
Belgium is piling on the pressure with De Cuyper’s long throw-in being cleared away and coming to Castagne, who launches the ball from outside the box.
Freese is called into action early, and he produces a good save to keep the scores level.
Lively start from the Europeans!
Kick off!
Belgium kicks off the match, shooting from right to left.
Spain awaits the victor in the quarterfinals.
No De Bruyne in the starting lineup for Belgium!
The last time the Napoli midfielder started on the bench for Belgium was in the 2021 UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing for Belgium vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 RO 16 match?
Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA.
Match starts soon!
The players are making their way into the Seattle Stadium. Ream wears the captain’s armband for USA while Tielemans leads the Red Devils out.
Find out more about the referee for this game!
Who is the referee for USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match?
Find out who the referee is for the USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, along with the full officiating team and VAR officials.
Head-to-head record
Played: 7
Belgium: 6
USA: 1
In World Cups
Played: 2
Belgium: 2
USA: 0
Folarin Balogun starts amidst all the controversy!
Florian Balogun starts for USA against Belgium in FIFA World Cup RO16 clash
Florian Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash.
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
Welcome to Sportstar’s live blog of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
Published on Jul 07, 2026
#USA #Belgium #LIVE #score #FIFA #World #Cup #USA #BEL #Vanaken #takes #advantage #goalkeeper #error #updates">USA vs Belgium LIVE score, FIFA World Cup 2026: USA 1-3 BEL; Vanaken takes advantage of goalkeeper error; Round of 16 updates
USA vs BEL LIVE: Catch the real-time updates from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
Updated : Jul 07, 2026 06:59 IST
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against USA.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against USA.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium being played at the Seattle Stadium.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
USA starting XI (4-3-3): Freese (gk), Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Tillman, Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Venue: Seattle Stadium
ACTION FROM THE FIRST HALF
9’- Belgium took advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Nicolas Raskin collected the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle. Charles De Ketelaere was at the right place at the right time and tapped the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
31’ – Malik Tillman scores from a free kick in back-to-back games. Thibaut Courtois had his wall set up, but Tillman’s shot took a wicked deflection off Hans Vanaken, which left the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
33’ – De Ketelaere restored the lead in quick time. It was brilliant work from Leandro Trossard on the left wing as he collected the ball and took his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle. De Ketelaere was once again there, and he towered over Tim Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
62′ USA 1-3 BEL
Trossard is looking to get in on the action as he gets into the box from the left before attempting a shot. But the attempt is blocked by Adams, sending the ball out for a corner.
59′ USA 1-3 BEL | Substitution
USA: Pulisic is replaced by Berhalter.
57′ USA 1-3 BEL | GOAALL!
VANAKEN SCORES! HORRIBLE MISTAKE FROM THE USA GOALKEEPER!!
A ball is played over the top to Ketelaere, but it goes well past him and comes to Freese, who came way off his line. He takes a touch and makes a mess of a standard clearance, instead choosing to pass it sideways.
However, Ketelaere was alert and stuck out a leg, which sent the ball to Vanaken, who found the bottom right corner of an open goal from way out.
Belgium gets a two-goal lead and now a mountain to climb for the last remaining host.
54′ USA 1-2 BEL
Adams plays a lovely ball over the top for Freeman, who ran into the right side of the box. But he should have done better, as his first touch let him down, allowing the ball to roll out for a goal kick.
52′ USA 1-2 BEL
Pulisic goes down on the edge of the Belgian box after a challenge from Tielemans, but the referee waves away any shouts for a foul.
50′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Ketelaere gets the ball in the middle of the pitch and tries to find Trossard’s run into the box. But Freese is alert and comes off his line to collect the ball ahead of the Arsenal forward.
47′ USA 1-2 BEL
Seems like Reya has slotted into the midfield with the duo of Pulisic and Balogun forming the forward line.
Second half begins!
USA kicks off the second half, shooting from right to left.
USA: Dest is replaced by Gio Reyna.
A historic strike from Malik Tillman!
Malik Tillman becomes second player to score two freekick goals in same FIFA World Cup since 1966
Malik Tillman joins Bernard Genghini as the second player to score two freekick goals in a single World Cup.
Half time!
Pulisic sends the ball into the box from the right corner, but it is Courtois who meets it in the air. And the referee uses that moment to end the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere’s brace is the point of difference at the moment.
45+4′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman plays a lovely through ball into the box for Balogun, who seemed in pole position to reach it. But, out comes Courtois and bravely clears the ball away from danger.
45+2′ USA 1-2 BEL
Dest gets the ball and tries to go on a run down the right side. But De Cuypers does well to track back and nick the ball away.
45′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tillman launches the ball in from a throw-in on the right, and Freeman heads it forward for Balogun, whose attempt from close range goes sailing into the stands behind the goal.
Six minutes of added time to play in the first half.
43′ USA 1-2 BEL
De Cuypers stands over the ball and sends a good-looking cross into the box. Lukebakio is completely unmarked and he should have done better with his header which goes well wide of the left post.
42′ USA 1-2 BEL
Belgium gets a free kick in the opposition half after Vanaken is sent to the floor by Richards.
39′ USA 1-2 BEL
Tielemans sends an outswinging corner from the right, which is directed towards the goal by Raksin. But Freese watches the ball closely and makes an easy save.
35′ USA 1-2 BEL
And the first booking of the game goes to Weston McKennie, who is punished for a late sliding challenge.
33′ USA 1-2 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES AGAIN! THE LEAD IS RESTORED IN QUICK TIME!
Brilliant work from Trossard on the left wing as he collects the ball and takes his time before sending in a tempting cross into the middle.
De Ketelaere is once again there, and he towers over Ream to head the ball into the back of the net.
31′ USA 1-1 BEL | GOAALL!
TILLMAN SCORES!! HE SCORES FROM A FREE KICK IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES!
Courtois had his wall set up but Tillman’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Vanaken, which leaves the Belgian goalkeeper competely wrong footed.
30′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA gets a free kick in a good shooting position after Balogun is fouled by Mechele.
29′ USA 0-1 BEL
USA finds breaks a long spell of Belgium possession with Weston McKennie drawing a foul from Raskin in USA’s half.
24′ USA 0-1 BEL
Now a chance for both teams to gather their breath as the referee blows his whistle for the Hydration Break.
22′ USA 0-1 BEL
Sloppy from Chris Richards who messes up a clearance by slamming it straight into De Ketelaere.
However, he will be thanking his stars as he gets another opportunity to boot the ball away after the Belgian forward is unable to bring it under control.
20′ USA 0-1 BEL | Substitution
Belgium: Onana is replaced by Vanaken.
19′ USA 0-1 BEL
And this is not good for Belgium, as it looks like Onana will not be able to continue. His teammates are seen consoling him on the bench.
17′ USA 0-1 BEL
Play is paused as Onana is on the floor with some sort of injury. He is receiving treatment on the pitch.
16′ USA 0-1 BEL
Rudi Garcia will be extremely happy with his team’s start and especially with two of his changes combining for the opening goal.
13′ USA 0-1 BEL
Belgium is not backing down as crosses are swung into the box, with Trossard among those who have a go at goal. The American defence is barely holding on at the moment.
11′ USA 0-1 BEL
Mauricio Pochettino is visibly unhappy with his team’s defending there as cameras show the Argentine in the USA dugout with a confused look on his face.
9′ USA 0-1 BEL | GOAALL!
DE KETELAERE SCORES!!
Belgium takes advantage of a poor clearance from USA, and Raskin collects the ball at the edge of the box before passing it into the middle.
De Ketelaere is at the right place at the right time and taps the ball into an empty goal to take the lead.
8′ USA 0-0 BEL
Lukebakio with a brilliant run past bodies in the opposition half before playing it through for Castagne, who made an overlapping run.
The right-back squares it into the middle, where Tielemans arrives. But, he should have done better as he scuffs his shot.
5′ USA 0-0 BEL
McKennie gets the ball on the right side and tries to curl it into the path of Balogum. But Courtois had anticipated the pass and comes way off his line to collect the ball.
3′ USA 0-0 BEL
Four changes in Belgium’s starting lineup today, with Ngoy, Onana, Raskin and Lukebakio coming in.
1′ USA 0-0 BEL
Belgium is piling on the pressure with De Cuyper’s long throw-in being cleared away and coming to Castagne, who launches the ball from outside the box.
Freese is called into action early, and he produces a good save to keep the scores level.
Lively start from the Europeans!
Kick off!
Belgium kicks off the match, shooting from right to left.
Spain awaits the victor in the quarterfinals.
No De Bruyne in the starting lineup for Belgium!
The last time the Napoli midfielder started on the bench for Belgium was in the 2021 UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne not playing for Belgium vs USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 RO 16 match?
Kevin De Bruyne starts on the bench for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA.
Match starts soon!
The players are making their way into the Seattle Stadium. Ream wears the captain’s armband for USA while Tielemans leads the Red Devils out.
Find out more about the referee for this game!
Who is the referee for USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match?
Find out who the referee is for the USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, along with the full officiating team and VAR officials.
Head-to-head record
Played: 7
Belgium: 6
USA: 1
In World Cups
Played: 2
Belgium: 2
USA: 0
Folarin Balogun starts amidst all the controversy!
Florian Balogun starts for USA against Belgium in FIFA World Cup RO16 clash
Florian Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash.
Belgium starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois (gk), Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Lukebakio, Tielemans, Trossard, De Ketelaere
Apr 10, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) pitches during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images 
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